I have always been puzzled by the following passage from the Tai Chi classics:

"In transferring power, your mind acts like a banner, internal energy acts like a flag, and your waist acts like a pennant ..."

Can anyone please explain this passage to me? Also, is it relevant only to applications, or does it also have relevance to form practice? I assume that what this all means is that one starts out with the martial intention in the mind, and the chi automatically follows if the movement is performed correctly and fundamental principles of posture and breathing are observed. The waist acts as a coordinator of the chi. But have I misinterpreted the passage? Regards, Simon.

I'm glad you found it useful. What I find most valuable about this passage is it makes the role of the waist very clear. Movement of the limbs (periphery) always follows movement at the waist (core). As Audi stated so clearly:

'The Xin (Mind) is equated with the general. The Qi (vital energy) is the signal flag that transmits the general’s orders. The Yao (lumbar spine/waist) is the banner that is waved according to what the signal flag indicates. The troop formations (Jin, or “trained force”) follow the banner to bring their individual fighting force (Li, or “raw strength”) to bear. If you respect this chain of command, your force will be applied naturally, smoothly, and in a lively manner.'